Flavoring solution

ABSTRACT

A flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent, 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent, 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener, and a carrier solvent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of International PatentApplication No. PCT/GB2021/052693, filed Oct. 19, 2021, which claimspriority to GB 2016576.7, filed Oct. 19, 2020. These applications areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention disclosed herein relates to a flavoring solution for usein creating a flavored smoking article; a flavor applicator for use inapplying a flavoring solution to a smoking article; a flavor applicatorcontaining a flavoring solution for use in applying a flavoring solutionto a smoking article and a method of administration thereof.

In particular, the disclosure is concerned with a flavoring solution anda means of applying the same.

BACKGROUND

Flavored smoking articles that provide a variety of different tastes andaromas are known in the art. Historically, tobacco products, such astobacco cigarettes have been flavored to change the taste of the primarysmoke inhaled by the smoker, which provides an enjoyable smokingexperience. This flavoring also reduces the impact of secondary smoke onthe smoker's surroundings by relatively lessening the smokes smell thatmay be unpleasant to non-smokers.

As the laws restricting tobacco-based smoking articles increase, thereis an increase in consumption of alternative smoking articles, such ascannabis cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, tobacco-free cigarettes, andnicotine-free cigarettes. Users of such smoking articles have a desireto be able to flavor their smoking articles to enjoy the flavoredsmoking experience.

Previous methods for preparing a flavored smoking article include usingflavored filter, tips and cards which smokers can use to prepare theirown flavored smoking articles. When a smoking article with a flavoredfilter tip or a smoking article imparted with a flavor from a card issmoked, the smoke passes through the flavored tip or through the cardinfused smoking article and flavoring the smoke. However, in the case ofsuch flavored filter tips or card, such a solution is only available tosmokers who prepare their own smoking articles.

Alternative flavoring methods are highly desirable, therefore, there isa need for an improved solution to preparing a flavored smoking article.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention there is provided a flavoringsolution for use in creating a flavored smoking article, a flavorapplicator for use in applying a flavoring solution to a smoking articleand a method of administration thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;    -   d. a carrier solvent.

The flavoring solution of the present invention provides an improvedsmoking experience for the user wherein the user can apply the flavoringsolution to a smoking article, such as a pre-rolled or pre-preparedsmoking article, in an amount such that a desired flavor can beexperienced by the smoker.

The flavoring agent may be selected from any flavoring agent suitablefor use in a smoking article. Suitably, the flavoring agent may be anysuitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable tocreate the desired aroma and taste when applied to a smoking article.

The flavoring agent may be a natural material, such as an extract, forexample a plant extract, such as a plant extract derived from an herb.The flavoring agent may be a synthetic material which is chemicallyidentical to a natural substance, for example, vanillin, which is asynthesised natural component of vanilla. The flavoring agent may be asynthetic material that is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemicalmodification of a natural substance which is not present in nature, forexample, ethylvanillin, which is a synthetic vanilla flavor agent. Theflavoring agent may be a mixture of a natural material and/or asynthetic material.

The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of, for example,fruits (such as strawberry flavor, blueberry flavor, orange flavor,apple flavor, pear flavor, cherry flavor, banana flavor etc.). Theflavoring agent may be a fruit aroma flavoring agent, typically astrawberry, blueberry, cherry and/or banana flavoring agent. Theflavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of herbs and spices(such as, for example, cinnamon, aniseed, cloves etc.). The flavoringagent may include or simulate the flavor of tea including black tea,green tea or fruit tea. The flavoring agent may include or simulate theflavor of mint (including spearmint, peppermint, for example).

The flavoring agent may include or simulate the flavor of, for example,herbs or spices. The flavoring agent may be a herbal oil extract. Theflavoring agent may be a lavender flavor agent (such as lavender oilextract), a rose flavor agent (such as rose oil extract), and/or arosemary flavor agent (such as rosemary oil extract).

The flavoring agent may include essential oils. Essential oils mayinclude, but are not limited to, mandarin essential oil, orangeessential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, lavender essential oil,peppermint essential oil, lemon essential oil, ylang ylang essentialoil, neroli essential oil, bergamot essential oil, licorice essentialoil, campanulaceae essential oil, luo han guo essential oil, wildchrysanthemum essential oil, dandelion essential oil, houttuyniaessential oil, loquat essential oil, saffron essential oil, cloveessential oil, ginseng essential oil and/or osmanthus essential oil.

The flavoring agent may include or simulate combinations of theaforesaid or other flavors. For example, the flavoring agent may includea mixture of a fruit flavor and a herb or spice flavor etc. Theflavoring agent may include a mixture of essential oils that may improvethe health of the smoker by boosting mood, reducing stress, increasingattentiveness and focus, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducingpain, reducing nausea, relieving headaches, and/or increasing energy.The flavoring solution may comprise an effective amount of essentialoils to improve the health of the smoker by boosting mood, reducingstress, increasing attentiveness and focus, improving sleep, reducinganxiety, reducing pain, reducing nausea, relieving headaches, and/orincreasing energy.

It is understood that flavoring agents that are suitable for use insmoking articles, are flavoring agents that are transferable into to thesmoke of the smoking article from the flavoring solution of the presentinvention.

Typically, the flavoring agent may be 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol(menthol) or a derivative thereof. The flavoring agent may be selectedfrom one or more of group consisting of (−)menthol, (+)-menthol,(+)-isomenthol, (+)-neomenthol, (+)-neoisomenthol, (−)-isomenthol,(−)-neomenthol, (−)-neoisomenthol. Typically, the flavoring agent may be(+)-menthol, or (−)menthol, or a racemic mixture of (+) and (−) menthol.

The flavoring agent may be a solid at room temperature. The flavoringagent may be an oil at room temperature. The flavoring agent may befully dissolvable in the carrier solvent at room temperature such thatthe flavoring solutions described herein are solutions. The flavoringagent may be fully dissolvable in ethanol and/or propanol of theflavoring solution.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt % flavoring agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoringsolution may comprise at least 25 wt % of flavoring agent based on thetotal weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 30 wt %, suchas at least 35 wt %, for example at least 40 wt %, at least 42 wt % orat least 45 wt %. Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprisingbetween 25-55 wt % flavoring agent based on the total weight of theflavoring solution, provides sufficiently high flavoring to a smokingarticle, and it also stable such that the flavoring agent in thesolution does not recrystallize from the solution, even at depressedtemperatures, such as storage temperatures.

The flavoring solution may comprise at most 55 wt % of flavoring agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 52wt %, such as at most 50 wt %, such as at most 48 wt %.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 25-52 wt %, such as between 25-50 wt %, such as between 25-48 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 30-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 30-52 wt %, such as between 30-50 wt %, such as between 30-48 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 35-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 35-52 wt %, such as between 35-50 wt %, such as between 35-48 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 40-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 40-52 wt %, such as between 40-50 wt %, such as between 40-48 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 45-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 45-52 wt %, such as between 45-50 wt %, such as between 45-48 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 47-55 wt % of flavoringagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 47-52 wt %, such as between 47-50 wt %, such as between 47-48 wt%.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 47-48 wt % flavoring agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoringsolution may contain about 47 wt % flavoring agent.

The flavoring solution as described herein comprises 1-20 wt % coolingagent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The coolingagent may be a cold thermosensory agonist, typically a thermoreceptor(TRPV) agonist, for example a TRPM8 or TRPA1 agonist.

The cooling agent advantageously provides a cooling effect to the smokeproduced by a smoking article to which the flavoring solution has beenapplied. Further the cooling agent provides a fresh and clean coolingsensation to the user. The cooling agent may be a cold thermosensoryagonist which interacts with the thermoreceptor (TRPV) of the smoker,such that the temperature of the smoke is sensed by the user as cooler,therefore, producing a smoke that is more comfortable to inhale andexhale.

The cooling agent may be selected from any cooling agent suitable foruse in a smoking article. Suitably, the cooling agent may be anysuitable material, or combination of materials, that is capable tocreate the desired cooling effect when applied to a smoking article.

The cooling agent may be selected from one or more of the groupconsisting of N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide(WS-3); N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5);(1R*,2S*)—N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide(WS-12); N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) andN,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-27), typically,N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3);N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) andN,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23), more typically,N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3).Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprisingN-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3) providesan immediate clean cooling impact at the roof and back of the mouth andback of the tongue to the user of a smoking article flavored with saidflavoring solution, and therefore an improved mouthfeel.

The cooling agent may be crystalline and may be dissolved in the carriersolvent of the flavoring solution. The cooling agent may be a liquid andmay be dispersible in the carrier solvent of the flavoring solution. Thecooling agent may comprise a solvent such as glycerine.

Typically, the cooling agent is a solid, such as a crystalline solid.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 1-20 wt % cooling agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoringsolution may comprise at least 1 wt % of cooling agent based on thetotal weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 2 wt % coolingagent or at least 3 wt % cooling agent or at least 4 wt % cooling agent.

The flavoring solution may comprise at most 15 wt % of cooling agent,such as at most 12 wt %, or at most 10 wt % based on the total weight ofthe flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise at most 8 wt% cooling agent, such as at most 6 wt % cooling agent based on the totalweight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may compriseabout 5 wt % cooling agent based on the total weight of the flavoringsolution.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 1-15 wt %, such as 1-12 wt%, such as 1-10 wt %, such as 1-8 wt % or even 1-6 wt % of cooling agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoringsolution may comprise between 2-15 wt %, such as 2-12 wt %, such as 2-10wt %, such as 2-8 wt % or even 2-6 wt % of cooling agent based on thetotal weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution maycomprise between 3-15 wt %, such as 3-12 wt %, such as 3-10 wt %, suchas 3-8 wt % or even 3-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weightof the flavoring solution. The flavoring solution may comprise between4-15 wt %, such as 4-12 wt %, such as 4-10 wt %, such as 4-8 wt % oreven 4-6 wt % of cooling agent based on the total weight of theflavoring solution.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 4-6 wt % of cooling agentbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution.

The flavoring solution as described herein comprises 0.1-5 wt %sweetener. The sweetener may be selected from any sweetener that issuitable for use in a smoking article. The sweetener may be selectedfrom one or more of the group consisting of sucralose, ethyl maltol,erythritol, stevia, neotame or other aspartame analogues. Typically, thesweetener is sucralose. Advantageously, a flavoring solution comprisingsucralose provides a sweet taste and surprisingly an improved mouthfeelto the user of a smoking article flavored with said flavoring solution.

Advantageously, sweetener may produce a sweeter flavor of the smokingarticle flavored with the flavoring solution. The sweetener may alsomute or suppress harsh tones of the flavoring agent itself and/or thesmoking article which therefore improves the flavor profile of thesmoking article to the user.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt % sweetener basedon the total weight of the flavoring solution. The flavoring solutionmay comprise at least 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of theflavoring solution, such as at least 0.15 wt %, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

The flavoring solution may comprise at most 5 wt % of sweetener based onthe total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 2 wt %, suchas at most 1 wt %, or at most 0.5 wt %. The flavoring solution maycomprise at most 0.4 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of theflavoring solution, such as at most 0.3 wt %, or even at most 0.25 wt %.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 0.1-5 wt % of sweetenerbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between0.1-2 wt %, such as between 0.1-1 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.5 wt %,such as between 0.1-0.4 wt %, such as between 0.1-0.3 wt %, such asbetween 0.1-0.25 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between0.15-5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weight of the flavoringsolution, such as between 0.15-2 wt %, such as between 0.15-1 wt %, suchas between 0.15-0.5 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.4 wt %, such as between0.15-0.3 wt %, such as between 0.15-0.25 wt %. The flavoring solutionmay comprise between 0.2-5 wt % of sweetener based on the total weightof the flavoring solution, such as between 0.2-2 wt %, such as between0.2-1 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.5 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.4 wt %,such as between 0.2-0.3 wt %, such as between 0.2-0.25 wt %.

The flavoring solution may comprise at between 0.2-0.25 wt % ofsweetener based on the total weight of the flavoring solution.

Advantageously, the sweetener may leave a visible trace on the smokingarticle after the flavoring solution has been applied thereto and afterthe carrier solvent has evaporated. In this manner, a user may be givena visible indication that the flavoring solution has been applied to thesmoking article.

The flavoring solution as described herein comprises a carrier solvent,which may be present in an amount of balance wt %, i.e., balance wt %carrier solvent.

It is understood that the term “balance wt % carrier solvent” means thatthe flavoring solutions described herein are balanced to 100 wt % withthe carrier solvent. For example, a flavoring solution comprising 50 wt% flavoring agent, 10 wt % cooling agent and 5 wt % sweetener may bebalanced to 100 wt % with 35 wt % carrier solvent.

The flavoring solutions described herein use comprising language and itis understood that the use of balance wt % carrier solvent does notresult in consisting claim language. Accordingly, it is understood thatthe flavoring solutions described herein may comprise furthercomponents. These components are included when calculating the balancewt % carrier solvent for a flavoring solution. For example, a flavoringsolution comprising 50 wt % flavoring agent, 10 wt % cooling agent and 5wt % sweetener may also contain 5 wt % additives, in which case it wouldbe balanced to 100 wt % with 30 wt % carrier solvent.

The carrier solvent be a solvent or combination of solvents that have avolatility greater than water. The carrier solvent may be selected fromany solvent suitable for use in a smoking article. Suitably, the carriersolvent may be any solvent, or combination of solvents, that is capableof producing a flavoring solution that is volatile at room temperaturewhen applied to a smoking article.

The term “volatility” refers to the material quality of the carriersolvent which describes how readily a substance vaporizes. Althoughthere is no single defined numerical value of volatility, it isdescribed herein using vapor pressure. A high vapor pressure indicates ahigh volatility. Vapor pressures at specific temperature are awell-known attribute for all solvents and are often provided on materialdatasheets with the solvent. However, if required, the vapor pressure ofa carrier solvent may be determined according to ASTM E1194-17(“Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure”).

The carrier solvent may have a vapor pressure greater than water. Thecarrier solvent may be selected from any solvent, or combination ofsolvents, that is capable of producing a flavoring solution and has avapor pressure (at 20° C.) greater than water.

The carrier solvent may have a vapor pressure of at least 1.5 kPa (at20° C.), such as at least 1.95 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 2.34kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 3 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 4kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least5.8 k kPa (at 20° C.)

Typically, the carrier solvent has a vapor pressure of about 5.95 kPa(at 20° C.).

The carrier solvent may comprise an alcohol, such as ethanol and/orpropanol, typically ethanol. The carrier solvent may comprise ethanoland/or water, typically ethanol and water, more typically ethanol. Thecarrier solvent may comprise between 1 to 100 wt % ethanol of the totalweight of the carrier solvent, typically between 50 to 100 wt % ethanol,more typically between 75 to 100 wt % ethanol, most typically between 90to 100 wt % ethanol, especially between 93 to 97 wt % ethanol, such asabout 95 wt % ethanol.

The carrier solvent may comprise between 0 to 99 wt % water of the totalweight of the carrier solvent, typically between 0 to 50 wt % water,more typically between 0 to 10 wt % water, most typically between 0 to 5wt % water, especially between 3 to 7 wt %, such as about 5 wt % water.

Typically, the carrier solvent may comprise about 95 wt % ethanol and 5wt % water, more typically about 95.6 wt % ethanol and 4.4 wt % water.It is understood that “ethanol” produced by fractional distillation isan ethanol-water mixture containing 95.6 wt % ethanol.

The flavoring solution may comprise at least 5 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at least 10wt %, such as at least 15 wt %, such as at least 20 wt %, such as atleast 25 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, such as at least 35 wt %, suchas at least 40 wt %, or even at least 45 wt %.

The flavoring solution may comprise at most 97.9 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as at most 95wt %, such as at most 90 wt %, such as at most 80 wt %, such as at most70 wt %, such as at most 60 wt %, such as at most 55 wt %, or even atmost 50 wt %.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 5-97.9 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between5-95 wt %, such as between 5-90 wt %, such as between 5-80 wt %, such asbetween 5-70 wt %, such as between 5-60 wt %, such as between 5-55 wt %,or even between 5-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between10-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoringsolution, such as between 10-95 wt %, such as between 10-90 wt %, suchas between 10-80 wt %, such as between 10-70 wt %, such as between 10-60wt %, such as between 10-55 wt %, or even between 10-50 wt %. Theflavoring solution may comprise between 15-97.9 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between15-95 wt %, such as between 15-90 wt %, such as between 15-80 wt %, suchas between 15-70 wt %, such as between 15-60 wt %, such as between 15-55wt %, or even between 15-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprisebetween 20-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of theflavoring solution, such as between 20-95 wt %, such as between 20-90 wt%, such as between 20-80 wt %, such as between 20-70 wt %, such asbetween 20-60 wt %, such as between 20-55 wt %, or even between 20-50 wt%. The flavoring solution may comprise between 25-97.9 wt % carriersolvent based on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such asbetween 25-95 wt %, such as between 25-90 wt %, such as between 25-80 wt%, such as between 25-70 wt %, such as between 25-60 wt %, such asbetween 25-55 wt %, or even between 25-50 wt %. The flavoring solutionmay comprise between 30-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the totalweight of the flavoring solution, such as between 30-95 wt %, such asbetween 30-90 wt %, such as between 30-80 wt %, such as between 30-70 wt%, such as between 30-60 wt %, such as between 30-55 wt %, or evenbetween 30-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprise between 35-97.9wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of the flavoringsolution, such as between 35-95 wt %, such as between 35-90 wt %, suchas between 35-80 wt %, such as between 35-70 wt %, such as between 35-60wt %, such as between 35-55 wt %, or even between 35-50 wt %. Theflavoring solution may comprise between 40-97.9 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution, such as between40-95 wt %, such as between 40-90 wt %, such as between 40-80 wt %, suchas between 40-70 wt %, such as between 40-60 wt %, such as between 40-55wt %, or even between 40-50 wt %. The flavoring solution may comprisebetween 45-97.9 wt % carrier solvent based on the total weight of theflavoring solution, such as between 45-95 wt %, such as between 45-90 wt%, such as between 45-80 wt %, such as between 45-70 wt %, such asbetween 45-60 wt %, such as between 45-55 wt %, or even between 45-50 wt%.

The flavoring solution may comprise between 45-50 wt % carrier solventbased on the total weight of the flavoring solution.

Advantageously, the carrier solvent produces a flavoring solution thatdoes not introduce a large amount of water to the smoking article suchthat the burnability of the smoking article would be affected. Thecarrier solvent also does not introduce unwanted taste or aroma of thesolvent to the smoking article. Advantageously, the flavoring solutionas described herein can be applied to a smoking article and driesquickly without affecting the smoking articles performance, whilstretaining a pleasant flavor profile to the smoker. The flavoringsolution as described herein can therefore be applied to a smokingarticle and smoked near immediately after.

Accordingly, the flavoring solutions of the present invention whenapplied to a smoking article, the carrier solvent quickly evaporates inless than 10 seconds, typically less than 5 seconds.

The flavoring solution as described herein may further comprise anadditive, for example, a colorant. The additive may infuse a color tothe flavoring solution such that it provides a visual feedback mechanismto the user so that they know how much flavoring solution has beenapplied to a smoking article.

The additive may be one or more any suitable alkaloids obtainable from aplant, such as cannabinoids. Typically, the additive may be one or morealkaloids obtainable from cannabis, such as cannabinoids.

The additive may be one or more cannabinoids. The cannabinoids may beobtainable from cannabis. The cannabinoids may be selected from, but notlimited to, cannabicyclols, cannabichromenes, cannabitriols,cannabidiols, cannabigerols, cannabinols, cannabinodiols,delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinols and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinols. Thecannabinoids may be selected from, but not limited to,tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabidivarin,tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabichromene, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid,cannabigerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid and cannabinol; typically,tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). The additive may bea combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

The additive may be a cannabis extract, for example a CBD extract oiland/or a THC extract oil. The additive may be a full spectrum cannabisextract, broad-spectrum cannabis extract, and/or cannabis isolate. Theadditive may be a full spectrum CBD extract, broad-spectrum CBD extract,and/or CBD isolate. It is understood to the skilled person that a‘full-spectrum’ extract is a ‘whole plant’ extract that maintains thefull profile of the cannabis plant; a ‘broad spectrum’ extract is anextract that is substantially free of THC (i.e. THC may be present intrace amounts, such as), and an ‘isolate’ is a pure form of plantextract which is substantially free of other plant components.

The flavoring solution may comprise tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in anamount such that, when a single dose of the flavoring solution isapplied to a smoking article, the smoking article contains between 1 and50 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as between 1 and 25 mg, suchas between 1 and 10 mg, such as between 1 and 5 mg, such as between 2.5and 50 mg, such as between 2.5 and 25 mg, such as between 2.5 and 10 mg,such as between 2.5 and 5 mg, such as between 5 and 50 mg, such asbetween 5 and 25 mg, such as between 5 and 10 mg.

The additive may be one or more terpenes, typically terpenes obtainablefrom cannabis. The terpenes may be selected from, but not limited to,myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinene (including α-pinene),trans-β-ocimene, terpinolene (including α-terpinolene),trans-caryophyllene, α-humulene and caryophyllene. The additive may beone or more terpenes suitable to provide a health benefit to the smokerof the flavored smoking article.

The additive may be one or more alkaloids obtainable from tobacco, suchas nicotine or a nicotine analogue, typically nicotine.

The additive may be included in an effective amount to provide atherapeutic dose to the user and/or enhance the action of anothercomponent of the flavoring solution to the user upon consumption of aflavored smoking article.

In one example, the flavoring solution, when applied to a smokingarticle and the carrier solution is evaporated, the remaining flavoringagent and optionally, cooling agent and sweetener, may be visible on thesmoking article without the need for a colorant. Advantageously, thiswould reduce the need for additional compounds in the flavoring solutionthat may be harmful to the smoker's health when smoked.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided aflavor applicator for applying a flavoring solution to a smokingarticle, the flavor applicator comprising:

-   -   a. reservoir suitable to contain the flavoring solution;    -   b. an applicating member fluidly coupled to the reservoir;        -   wherein in use the applicating member contacts the smoking            article such that the flavoring solution is applied to the            smoking article from the reservoir thereby flavoring the            smoking article;        -   wherein the reservoir comprises the flavoring solution            described herein.

The flavor applicator as described herein advantageously provides theuser a simple and quick method to apply the flavoring solution of thepresent invention to a smoking article. The smoker can therefore prepareand smoke a flavored smoking article in a short amount of time comparedto the flavoring methods known in the art.

The flavor applicator comprises an applicating member, wherein theapplicating member may be a porous applicating member, such as a porousfoam, porous felt or non-porous applicating member, such as a non-porousroller ball structure.

A porous applicating member provides a uniform distribution of flavoringdistribution throughout the applicating member. Advantageously, there isa high amount of control for the user when flavoring of a smokingarticle using a porous applicating member.

The applicating member may be contoured to maximize contact with thesmoking article upon application of the flavoring solution. Theapplicating member may have a generally concave contacting surface,preferably such that the contacting surface of the applicating member islarger than the width applicating member. The inner radius of theconcave applicating member should be at least as large as the radius ofthe smoking article to which the flavoring solution is being applied,for example, at least as large as the radius of a smoking article.

The flavor applicator may be in the form of any suitable applicatordevice, such as a pen, for example a roller ball pen, felt-tip pen(marker pen) or a brush pen. A pen allows the user to control the amountof flavoring solution applied to a smoking article and therefore enablesthe smoker to have complete control over the flavor of their smokingarticle.

The flavor applicator may be in the form of a smoking article receivingdevice, such that a smoking article can be passed through an apertureand the applicating member will contact the smoking article and thesmoking article will be suitable flavored.

A flavor applicator can advantageously apply a specific amount offlavoring solution to each smoking article such that the flavor of eachsmoking article is consistent.

The reservoir of the flavor applicator may be pressurized.Advantageously, this results in an increased amount of flavoringsolution released through the applicating member in use. Further, theflavoring solution can be released through the applicating member whenthe flavor applicator is in any orientation, such that the flavoringapplicator can apply the flavoring solution in an any orientation,independent of gravity.

The flavor applicator may comprise an applicating member, wherein theapplicating member is a nozzle. The applicating member may be a nozzlethat controls the flow of the flavoring solution as it exits the flavorapplicator such that the flavoring solution forms a fine spray of liquidor a mist. Suitably, the applicating member may be suitable atomise theflavoring solution.

The flavor applicator may be in the form of a hand pump spray or anaerosol.

Advantageously, when the flavor applicator is a nozzle, the flavoringsolution can be easily applied across a surface, further the flavoringsolution can be evenly applied across a surface. Therefore, the flavorapplicator as described herein may apply a flavoring solution onto thesurface of a smoking article. The flavor applicator as described hereinmay apply a flavoring solution onto the surface of a smoking paper foruse in a smoking article and/or smokable material for use in a smokingarticle and provide an even application and therefore an even flavor ofa flavoring smoking article derived from such items.

The flavor applicator may be utilized as a strip moisturizer. Theflavoring solution may be added to a smoking article and/or smokingpaper as a strip moisturizer. The flavoring solution may be applied as aglue-line, suitable for improving adherence between two portions of asmoking paper.

The flavor applicator may further comprise an attachment meansconfigurable to be suitably attached to a smoking article container,such as to a cigarette carton. Advantageously, the flavor applicator maybe attached to a smoking article container (packet) such that a premadesmoking article can be easily and conveniently flavored. Further, theflavor applicator may be contained within a smoking article container(packet) such that together, with the smoking article container(packet), the smoker has a single container that contains a smokingarticle, flavor applicator and flavoring solution as defined herein.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof flavoring a smoking article, the method comprising applying aflavoring solution to at least a portion of a surface of the smokingarticle, typically, to a smokable portion of the surface of the smokingarticle, wherein the flavoring solution comprises:

-   -   a. 25-55 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 1-20 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.1-5 wt % sweetener;    -   d. carrier solvent.

The flavoring solution is advantageously applied to at least a portionof the surface of a smoking article such that when the smokable portionof the smoking article is ignited, the heat produced enables the flavorfrom the flavoring solution to mix with the smoke of the smokingarticle. Therefore, the smoke produced by a smoking article flavoredwith the flavoring solution as described herein is also flavored in bothtaste and aroma.

The flavoring solution may be applied to an exterior surface of thesmoking article. Advantageously, applying the flavoring solution to theexterior surface of the smoking article allows the smoker to flavor thesmoking article immediately prior to smoking.

The flavoring solution may be applied to a surface of the smokingarticle using a flavor applicator as described herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided asmoking article, that is at least partially coated with the flavoringsolution as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 30 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 3 to 10 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.15 to 2 wt % sweetener;    -   d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 40 to 50 wt % menthol;    -   b. 1 to 20 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;    -   d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 40 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 4 to 6 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sweetener;    -   d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 25 to 55 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 3 to 8 wt % thermosensory agonist;    -   c. 0.15 to 0.5 wt % sucralose;    -   d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 40 to 50 wt % flavoring agent;    -   b. 4 to 6 wt % cooling agent;    -   c. 0.15 to 0.3 wt % sweetener;    -   d. carrier solvent.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided aflavoring solution for a smoking article comprising:

-   -   a. 25 to 55 wt % menthol;    -   b. 1 to 20 wt % WS-3;    -   c. 0.1 to 5 wt % sucralose;    -   d. carrier solvent comprising ethanol.

Suitably, all of the components of the invention claimed herein aredifferent materials. For example, a flavoring solution as describedherein may contain menthol as the flavoring agent or as the coolingagent, however, the flavoring solution cannot contain menthol as theflavoring agent and the cooling agent. In the case of a flavoringsolution wherein the flavoring agent is menthol, the cooling agent is acompound other than menthol, for example, the cooling agent may be WS-3.Similarly, any compound that may be considered to be a flavoring agent,cooling agent, sweetener or carrier solvent may not be more than one ofthe components in a single flavoring solution.

As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers suchas those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be readas if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expresslyappear. The term “about” when used herein means +/−10% of the statedvalue. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to includeall sub-ranges subsumed therein. Singular encompasses plural and viceversa. For example, although reference is made herein to “a” flavoringagent, “an” additive, and the like, one or more of each of these and anyother components can be used.

Where ranges are provided in relation to a genus, each range may alsoapply additionally and independently to any one or more of the listedspecies of that genus.

As used herein, the term “flavor” refers to a material that creates adesired taste in a product.

It is understood that the present invention relates to smoking articles.Smoking articles may include, but are not limited to, cigarettes such ascannabis cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, tobacco-free cigarettes,nicotine-free cigarettes and/or tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, thesmoking articles may be in the form of cigars, cigarillos.

The flavoring solution may also be applied to a smoking articlecomponent, for example, smoking paper and/or smoking material, which arethen formed into a flavored smoking article. Smoking papers may include,but are not limited to, herbal sheets, herbal wraps, rolling sheets,and/or natural leaves. Smoking material may include, but is not limitedto, mullein, hops, cloves, mints, ginger root, lemon balm, skull cap,passionflower, lavender, raspberry leaf, chamomile, roses, horehound,catnip, mygwort, blackberry leaf and/or tobacco.

As used herein, the term “cannabis” refers to the genus of floweringplants in the family Cannabaceae. Cannabis may include, but is notlimited to, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis and/ora cross combination of such cannabis (sub)species, typically Cannabissativa. Cannabis may include Hemp, or industrial hemp, a botanical classof Cannabis sativa. It is understood that the term “cannabis” mayinclude cross strains of cannabis, for example hybrid strains.

As used herein, the term “smoking papers” refers to any paper productthat can be used to enclose a smoking material to form a smokingarticle.

As used herein, the term ‘smoking material’ refers to any combustiblematerial that can smoked in a smoking article.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of theabove aspects in any combination.

Fora better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made tothe following examples and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of the flavor applicator shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2A is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicatorwith a ball-point type applicating member.

FIG. 2B is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicatorwhich has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

FIG. 2C is a simplified, expanded side-on view of a flavor applicatorwhich has an applicating member with a contoured tip.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of a flavor applicator according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a top-down view of the flavor applicator shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator accordingto the present invention attached to the outside of a smoking articlecontainer.

FIG. 4B is a simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator accordingto the present invention attached to the inside of a smoking articlecontainer.

FIG. 5 is a simplified, side-on view of a smoking article to which theflavoring solution according to the present invention has been appliedby a flavor applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows an example of a simplified, side-on view of a flavorapplicator 100. The flavor applicator 100 is formed of an applicatingmember 102 and a reservoir 104 as seen in FIG. 1B. The reservoir 104 issuitable to contain the flavoring solution of the present invention. Theapplicating member 102 is fluidly coupled 106 to the reservoir 104 suchthat the applicating member 102 can apply the flavoring solution fromthe reservoir 104 to an item. In use, the applicating member 102contacts a smoking article and the flavoring solution is applied to thesmoking article from the reservoir 104 by the applicating member 102 viathe fluid coupling 106. In the example of FIG. 1 , the fluid coupling106 is the applicating member 102 being in direct contact with thereservoir 104 and therefore any flavoring solution stored within.

The flavor applicator 100 may be contained in a housing 108 that makeshandling the flavor application 100 easier and provides the user withmore control. The housing 108 covers the reservoir 104, with theapplicating member 102 being exposed for use. It is understood that thehousing may also include a cap (not shown) that can cover theapplicating member 102 when the flavor applicator 100 is not in use.

The applicating member 102 may be a porous applicating member such as aporous foam or a porous felt.

The applicating member 102 may be a non-porous applicating member suchas a non-porous roller ball structure. FIG. 2 shows an example of anexpanded simplified, side-on view of a flavor applicator 100. Theapplicating member 102 is a roller ball type applicating member. Theroller ball type applicating member is formed of a ball portion 110 thatis operable to freely rotate in the housing 108. In use, the flavoringsolution is transferred via the ball portion 110 from the reservoir 104to the smoking article as the ball portion 110 rotates.

The applicating member 102 may be contoured to maximize contact with thesmoking article upon applicating of the flavoring solution. FIG. 2B andFIG. 2C show an example of an expanded simplified, side-on view of aflavor applicator 100. The applicating member 102 in FIG. 2B iscontoured to increased contact with the external surface of acylindrical smoking article such that the contoured applicating member112 has a concave shape with a quarter-circle cross-sectional area.

The applicating member 102 is also shown with a contoured applicatingmember 114 in FIG. 2C which is contoured to increase contact with theexternal surface of a cylindrical smoking article. The contouredapplicating member 114 has a concave shape with a semi-circlecross-sectional area.

A flavor applicator 100 may be in the form of any suitable applicatordevice, such as a pen as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, theflavor applicator 100 may be a roller ball pen as shown in FIG. 2A, or afelt-tip pen (marker pen) or a brush pen as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG.2C.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section view of a flavor applicator 200. Theflavor applicator 200 is formed of two applicating members 202 a and 202b and reservoir 204. The reservoir 204 is positioned adjacent to theapplicating members 202 a and 202 b. The applicating member 202 a isfluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via the fluid coupling 206 a. Theapplicating member 202 b is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 204 via thefluid coupling 206 b. The applicating members 202 a and 202 b arepositioned parallel with respect to each other which thereby define acavity 210 between them. The cavity 210 is at least as large as asmoking article such that the cavity 210 is operable to receive asmoking article for flavoring. In use a smoking article enters thecavity 210 and applicating members 202 a and 202 b contact the opposingexternal surfaces of the smoking article such that flavoring solutioncontained within the reservoir 204 is transferred to the externalsurface of the smoking article to produce a flavored smoking article.The applicating members 202 a and 202 b may be orientated in anysuitable position to successfully flavor a smoking article.

The cavity 210 is of a sufficient depth that a smoking article can enterthe cavity 210 and the flavoring solution can be applied by applicatingmembers 202 a and 202 b on its external surface. The reservoir 204 formsthe end of the cavity.

The housing 208 contains the applicating members 202 a and 202 b, thereservoir 204 and the fluid couplings 206 a and 206 b. The housing 208further defines the cavity 210.

The flavor applicator 200 may further comprise a lid (not shown) toprevent the loss of flavoring solution when the flavor applicator 200 isnot in use.

The flavor applicator 200 may further comprise a controlling means (notshown) that controls the transfer of flavoring solution from thereservoir 204 to the applicating members 202 a and 202 b. Thecontrolling means may be operable to open and close the fluid couplings206 a and 206 b such that the flavoring solution in the reservoir isonly transferred to the applicating members 202 a and 202 b when in use.

FIG. 3B shows a top-down view of the flavor applicator 200 shown in FIG.3A. The cavity 210 defined by the applicating members 202 a and 202 bcan be seen to have a circular cross section such that it can accept thesmokable portion of a smoking article. The housing 208 can be seen tofurther define the cross-sectional shape of cavity 210. It is understoodthat the cavity 210 may be any shape that is operable to receive asmoking article, for example, the cavity may have a triangular or squareshaped cross-section (not shown).

The flavor applicator may have a torus like geometry, for example a ringshape (not shown), wherein the applicating members are positioned aboutthe aperture through which a smoking article can pass, and the reservoiris positioned such that it does not obstruct the movement of the smokingarticle through the aperture.

The flavor applicator may have one or more applicating members.

A flavor applicator as described herein may be operable to be attachedto a smoking article packet for convenience. The flavor applicator maybe arranged to fit on a smoking article packet and/or to fit inside asmoking article packet. FIG. 4A shows a simplified, side-on view of aflavor applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to the outsideof a smoking article packet 304. FIG. 4B shows a simplified, side-onview of a flavor applicator 300 attached via attachment means 302 to theinside of a smoking article packet 304. The flavor applicator can beeasily accessed to flavor a smoking article from the smoking articlepacket at the convenience of the smoker.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified, side-on view of a smoking article 400. Thesmoking article 400 is formed a filter 402 and a smokable portion 404.The smoking article 400 in FIG. 5 has a flavoring solution 406 asdescribed herein applied to an external surface of the smoking article400.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filedconcurrently with or previous to this specification in connection withthis application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A flavoring solution for a smoking article comprising: a. 25-55 wt %flavoring agent; b. 1-20 wt % cooling agent; c. 0.1-5 wt % sweetener; d.a carrier solvent.
 2. The flavoring solution for a smoking articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the flavoring solution comprises: a. 35-52wt % flavoring agent; b. 2-15 wt % cooling agent; c. 0.1-1 wt %sweetener; and d. a carrier solvent.
 3. The flavoring solution for asmoking article according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring solutioncomprises: a. 45-50 wt % flavoring agent; b. 3-10 wt % cooling agent; c.0.15-0.5 wt % sweetener; and d. a carrier solvent.
 4. The flavoringsolution for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein theflavoring solution comprises: a. 47-48 wt % flavoring agent; b. 4-6 wt %cooling agent; c. 0.2-0.3 wt % sweetener; and d. a carrier solvent. 5.The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring agentis a natural material or a synthetic material, that is capable to createthe desired aroma and taste when applied to a smoking article.
 6. Theflavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring agent ismenthol, or a derivative thereof.
 7. The flavoring solution according toclaim 1, wherein the cooling agent is a cold thermosensory agonist. 8.The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the cooling againis a thermoreceptor (TRPV) agonist, typically a TRPM8 or TRPA1 agonist.9. The flavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the coolingagent is one or more ofN-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3);N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5);(1R*,2S*)—N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide(WS-12); N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23) andN,2-diethyl-3-methyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-27), typically,N-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3);N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-5) andN,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide (WS-23), more typically, orN-Ethyl-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WS-3).
 10. Theflavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the sweetener is one ormore of sucralose, ethyl maltol, erythritol, stevia, neotame, or otheraspartame analogues, typically, the sweetener is sucralose.
 11. Theflavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent hasa vapor pressure greater than water.
 12. The flavoring solutionaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent has a vapor pressureof at least 1.5 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 1.95 kPa (at 20° C.),such as at least 2.34 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 3 kPa (at 20°C.), such as at least 4 kPa (at 20° C.), such as at least 5 kPa (at 20°C.), such as at least 5.8 k kPa (at 20° C.)
 13. The flavoring solutionaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier solvent comprises an alcohol,typically ethanol or propanol, more typically, ethanol.
 14. Theflavoring solution according to claim 1, wherein the carrier solventcomprises about 95 wt % ethanol and 5 wt % water based on the totalweight of the carrier solvent.
 15. The flavoring solution according toclaim 1, wherein the carrier solvent is present in an amount of between40 to 60 wt %, such as 45 to 55 wt %.
 16. The flavoring solutionaccording to claim 1, further comprising an additive, for example, acolorant.
 17. A method of flavoring a smoking article, the methodcomprising applying a flavoring solution to at least a portion of asurface of the smoking article, typically, to a smokable portion of thesurface of the smoking article, wherein the flavoring solution isaccording to claim
 1. 18. The method of flavoring a smoking articleaccording to claim 17, wherein the flavoring solution is applied to anexterior surface of the smoking article.
 19. A smoking article that isat least partially coated with the flavoring solution according to claim1.